Aug 18, 2009

The IP Camera BSTI PT100V2W appears to be a clone of the Foscam FI8901W which, in turn, is the older brother of the FI8908W.

Therefore the IP Camera Super-Client found on BSTI web site does work with Foscam cameras. The interface is not the clearest and I had a few crashes with it, but it appears to be free (even if a registration is required after some time), so it's still good to take.

More decent is H264WebCam also works with the Foscam FI8908W (selecting BSTI PT100V2W), excepted for the Pan & Tilt function. It exists in free, standard or pro version. It offers motion detection of pre-selected zones, FTP/email alert, recording, and some access control.WebcamXPgives good results. For the Pan & Tilt to work, the Camera brand selected shouldn't be BSTI, but either Shenzen, or Netwave. This software seems the most capable to me, although it can be slow at times. It's quite complete (webcast, access control, motion and audio detection, email and SMS alert, ... ).
They also provide DirectShow Filters that makes it possible to use the ip camera with Skype for instance.
The 60 days trial version is limited to 1 channel.

Blue Iris also works and includes a lot of features (PTZ, recording, alert to cell phone, IM or email, motion sensor, webcast supporting Windows media codec, ...). There is a 15 days limited demo mode.ZoneTrigger is now reported to work with Foscam cameras using the syntax: http://login:pwd@ipcam_url:port/snapshot.cgi

vitamin d is a really cool monitoring software featuring people and action rules. Foscam is not listed but can be used as "other" model by specifying http://ipcam_url:port/videostream.cgi as the camera url. The software does video recording on motion detection and distinguishes people from object and can obey to pre-defined rules, like "if object moves through the exit door, send an email alert and play a sound".
vitamin d is available for PC and Mac. The free starter edition allow 1 camera only. Their pricing options are: Basic edition for up to 2 cameras at 49$, and pro edition with unlimited cameras for...199$! Something in between would have been nice for people like myself having 3 cameras! (thanks to Jason for mentioning this application)

Phones with J2ME support
The name Netwave appears in the camera data stream and the Chinese part of their website contains a nice utility: A j2me Camera viewer for mobile phone. It works fine on my SE G705. Keys 2,4,6,8 can be used to Pan & Tilt, 1,3,7,9 for vertical and horizontal "patrols". It now comes on a CD with most recent ip cameras from Foscam.

According to the accompanying note, it is possible to make it run on Windows Mobile through the Esmertec Jbed utility (also here).

Android phones
"IP Cam Viewer" has support for Foscam FI8908W (with PTZ) and FI8904W. The lite version is already very complete. The pro version allows more cameras and is ads-free.

For iPhone:IPVision Pro. Pan & Tilt is made possible by adding this custom plist. The model to select is Foscam/Generic PTZ and the option "continuous" under settings must be enabled (thanks to kevc for his contribution).

143 comments:

I created a plist config for the IPvision pro for the iphone. The new software update allows you to write your own and upload it via a built in software server function. If anyone wants it let me know. you can use your pan and tilt options.

HI,thought I'd share this, as the developer has been most helpful. I gave them access to my Foscam clone and they incorporated it into their software. They are still tweaking the movement. It's very reasonably priced though.Mainly for Nokia phones.IPCam Viewerhttp://www.oneviewsystems.com

Hey everyone, the PList that I submitted is written with the intent that the camera is sitting on it's base. If you decide to mount your camera from the ceiling and you flip the picture and mirror it, your left will be right and right will be left and so on. You can change this in the plist by opening it and just change numbers. Example 4 is for left and 6 is for right. Just swap numbers and the orientation for the control pad will be accurate.

You can use note pad to edit or use plist editor from iPodRobot.com(better choice and it's freeware). Sorry if this is confusing anyone, but I just thought of it since I remounted my camera to the ceiling. Any questions just ask. Thanks

download and open file (http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/bubbah/PublicFolder/cgiDataUser.plist) with notepad, copy all text.Open /var/mobile/Applications/xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx (aleatory letters)/IPVisionPro.app/cgiData.plist with notepad and paste text and save it. I hope that users enjoy it.

IP Vision Pro has a built in server function in the settings screen. If you are on the same wireless network (wifi) with your phone and home computer, you can connect to the software through your home computer browser and then just upload the file. Your phone does not need to be jail broken to do this.

I cant get this to work @ all i have IPVision Pro V1.1.1 i have uploaded the custom plist to the iPhone and have restarted the app i even restarted the iPhone just to be sure and when i load the app i "click" on the cam logo goto model but i cant find Foscam/Generic PTZ.

@Theodore Although WebcamXP is my preferred application, it seems to only rely on the camera zooming capacity so it's not good for the fi8908w. The Blue Iris however can do direct zoom on the camera picture (using the mouse wheel).Cheers

Please could you help to take control of my Foscam with IP Vision Pro.As "felipesalomao" Says, I try to past the text find here: "http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/bubbah/PublicFolder/cgiDataUser.plist" but it doesn't run... Instead of adding a "generic PTZ" model, I delete all others camera profil.Do you have an idea of my mistake ?Thanks in advance

I'm trying to use the j2me Camera viewer in my Nokia 6120 (symbian), with H3G operator.When i set all parameters, phone asks me i want to permit that the application goes on the internet. I answer yes but i got an error message: "failed to connect to camera".Why?

Ipcamera works great via browser (IE&FF).I'm using the dyndns service.In the "Camera Hostname or IP" field what have i to put? http://DYNDNSNAME.dyndns.org ?With or without /videostream.cgi or .asf, or live.htm?Or what?

@zanzarame:The camera hostname should be as you said, just the http://DYNDNSNAME.dyndns.org and nothing more. I assume your port forwarding is ok since you can access from IE/FF (from outside you LAN too is it ?)If the port has been set to something else than 80, it can be a problem with some ISP's. Check also if the j2me camera viewer works when your phone is connected to your local lan through wi-fi.

Many thanks for the quick response."The camera hostname should be as you said, just the http://DYNDNSNAME.dyndns.org and nothing more."Ok, i wrote this.

"I assume your port forwarding is ok since you can access from IE/FF (from outside you LAN too is it ?)If the port has been set to something else than 80, it can be a problem with some ISP's."Yes, it works from both inside the lan (using 192.168ecc address ) and from outside (via the dyndns address). The port is over 7000.

"Check also if the j2me camera viewer works when your phone is connected to your local lan through wi-fi."I don't understand. How may i do this? Unfortunately, my phone (nokia 6120) cannot connect to my wifi lan. This phone has a lot of stuff but not wifi feaure :-(. Of course i can surf the web on the phone and with the phone (using nokia sw).

@zanzarame maybe you should ask someone who's on a different mobile network than yours to test it. You seem to do nothing wrong, maybe it's your operator. Other idea, if you know how to use your mobile as a modem for your PC, you could try accessing the internet (making sure your pc is only connected through your mobile) and see if you still can access the camera using FF or IE. If this fails too with your PC, then you'd know it's your mobile network.

I may surf the web with the phone (using the simply but very useful nokia browser installed in the phone. No problems with any kind of website) and via the phone (using nokia pc suite, connected via Bluetooth to my notebook and browsing on the notebook with FF).

??? :-(

The very strange thing is that the phone ask me: "do you want to permit the application to connect to the Internet?" I answer yes, but non connection is possible.

@zanzaramecheck if you can pre-set the permission before launching the application. On my SE, there's a permissions setting for each application and game where I can set it as "default, trusted, or custom".There should be something like this on the Nokia.

@zanzarame the example above shows actually 2 different screenshots side by side.The camera list can only be retrieved when the phone is connected inside you lan and on the same subnet. From outside, you need to enter the settings manually.

Thanks so much for writing the plist!!! Is there a way to add this to the existing plist file? I have a Panasonic and a Foscam (via DealExtreme) and when I change the plist I lose all the other camera options, i.e. the Panasonic ...

hi Bubbah I need your help I bought a IP Camera type foscam in Dealextreme but it only works with Net cable , I don't get to work with wirelles mode you can happen step by step the procedure for it uses wirelles or some detail Thank you very much

@CleuYou need first to ensure that you entered a valid access point to your router in the wireless lan settings as explained here. It is a common mistake to enter an arbitrary name thinking it will identify the camera on the lan. This is instead the router information that must be filled in.Next, when you see that the camera is about to reboot after validating the settings, remove the Ethernet cable. During the boot sequence, the green led blinking rate will let you know if it found the network (this point is also explained here).On your router, make sure that you disable the MAC filtering if any, and check for any new DHCP request.Check if the camera works better when sitting just beside the router. If it's the case, the wire to the antenna inside might be disconnected, which has been already seen with the fake Foscam from DealExtreme.Boa sorte!

Here is one more surveillance application for FOSCAM cameras:http://eng.vkartinke.ru/

Features:

* It supports different types of WEB-cameras, IP cameras. * Records as many cameras as you want. * Records with motion detector or not. * You can control many cameras simultaneously. * Extract your records to flash drive

@ AllNeed some help!I like to set up a webpage at home with the Foscam. Enything works! exept the javascript for username and password. Here is the code I use:

... Hmmm, can't show you the code here because of the restriction ;-)OK. The code is here: http://www.swiss-design.com/iphone/foscam.zip

Every first reload of the pic it ask for the username and password. But WHY ?? It gets submitted by the url but it looks like, inside the javascript it does not work.So, any help is would be great.As soon I got my cam up in the addic, I will bublish the url to test the cam :-) Also, I ordered yesterday some new lenses wit 80° and 92° viewangel from ebay (selle from Germany).

@StefanBecause of the time variable:document.images.stefcam.src = url + now.getTime();the login passed is invalid and looks like this in the datastream:/snapshot.cgi?user=iphone&pwd=iphone1263806982499If I use only document.images.stefcam.src = url;I don't get pop ups anymore. Of course, that screws up the refresh routine.

Hi Bubbah, I'm responding here to your comment on the 'Yet another firmware for Foscam fi8908w' thread. For some reason I'm not able to post there. Not sure...has it been locked?

In any case, my question was regarding both video and audio streaming (2 way) using an iPhone. You have suggested IP Vision and Live Cams. I did in fact look at these prior to posting, however could not find any info with respect to audio streaming. Just to clarify, does it indeed work?

In addition to that has anyone tried the new FI8906W?

http://www.foscam.com/Products_List.asp?id=159

The 3x Optical Zoom function looks interesting...

I tried to find some more info about it such as pricing but came up with nothing much apart from a few sites in Chinese and Russian.

@FalcordogSome of the oldest posts are getting very heavy with hundreds of comments so I though I'd just "freeze" them to promote the newer ones, not sure if it's a good idea...

I don't have an iPhone myself, but these apps were reported by readers of this blog to work with theirs. I'm quite sure that, if there is sound support, it will be one-way. You should directly contact the developpers via their web site to know more.

I asked Foscam about that FI8906W, they couldn't tell the price (I expect much higher than for FI8908W) but they said it would be sold around April 2010.

Just a heads up...Live Cams have just released v.3.1 (for iPhone) with native PTZ support for Foscam without having to rely on WebcamXP to host the streams.I have setup mine to connect directly to the camera and it does indeed work!

Yes, I just typed in my IP addrss. I have a static IP so I don't need to use any DDNS services.I do however experience an issue with Live Cams where I may need to launch it a couple of times until it connects to the cam. This same issue existed in the previous version as well, regardless whether I connect using WebcamXP or directly.I actually thought the issue was resolved when I stopped using WebcamXP as a host but unfortunately it wasn't. It seems to happen randomly both from within my LAN and from the outside (over WiFi). When using 3G it happens almost every time...

I've contacted support about this matter...hopefully something can be done.

@FalcordogI have the exact same issue. I'm not sure of ur setup, but when it does that to me using the camera's interface, I can see it's not getting forwarded to the camera's IP and it's prompting me for the routers password. So now when I use an app, naturally I don't see the router password prompt, I just get nothing but after numerous attempts it connects. Now I have port 80 setup to forward, so it's almost like some requests are coming in other than port 80.....hence the no port forwarding.

Did you try using some other port?This may be your problem right there...To me it sounds like instead of logging on to your cam you're being prompted for credentials to access your router's configuration interface which listens on port 80 by default..

@dwelskyall I do is enter the camera ddns url or local ip address, the port 80 (unless changed) and a valid account defined on the camera users list.The connection, then right click on the camera newly defined and select "start". The image should appear. Ip camera super client from other manufacturer than BSTI may not be compatible with CGI commands from Foscam. And reversely, I thing that a clone from Maygion for instance would not work with the BSTI client.

@Jason,Interesting! I just downloaded it and it works with the Foscam cameras. You have to select "Other" in the list, and provide an url like: http://ipcamera-url/videostream.cgiWhen reviewing the recorded videos, it does an inventory of all the objects and people found on the footages. Then you can set rules, like: if a given object starts moving (you plasma TV for instance) then play sound, send email, record...The free starter edition allow 1 camera only. Their pricing options are quite limited: Basic edition supporting 2 cameras for 49$, and pro edition with unlimited cameras for...199$! I have 3 cameras!

Hello, there's a nice iphone app that cost 1,59€ named Foscam IP Control. You will imagine what cam is it made for ... :-DIt have a simple and wonderful interface. Simple configuration as: insert url, username and password (in diferent boxes).I miss the horizontal interface with fullscreen. But hope it gets better.

http://itunes.apple.com/es/app/foscam-ip-control/id348726919?mt=8

Also the great software for mac Evocam supports the foscam, you just have to select network camera, then input the url, select "Generic Network Camera" and the path: /videostream.cgi and the username and password.

@Dragon,videostream.cgi does not transport audio, but if you manage to use videostream.asf, then you get sound. I'm just not sure it work with WebcamXP or any other one. I've only used it with VLC so far.

tx for fast answering! You are right - my cell phone is able to enter the foscam-demonstration-page and works fine - but it is not able to enter my own foscam. My ddns-settings are ok - can see my cam on the internetbrowser but not on the cell-phone.

@paulit seems you've setup your access properly and if it works from the browser it should work with any other software. Maybe you have to set some permissions to use internet for that camera viewer on your phone? Normally the phone should prompt you for such permission when needed but I can't say for your model.Another thing could be a restriction from the mobile operator (sometimes only port 80 is accepted for HTML). Are you able to access your camera using an url finishing by http://camrul:port/snapshot.cgi on your phone's browser ?

tx bubbah - some minutes ago i got a 'brain-flash' - i changed the APN of the provider from 'internet.t-mobile.de' to 'internet.t-d1.de' - .............and it works! Maybe the second one has less restrictions ore the public ip plays any rule.... however - thank you very much for your support!

@ping2lowThanks for the tip. If you add ":run-time=###" (without quotes), it will limit recording time of stream. Example of 15 second recording: vlc.exe http://User:Password@192.168.0.1/videostream.asf :run-time=15 :sout=#std{access=file,demux=dump,dst=F:\webcam\WEBCAM.avi}

just got myself a FI8908W foscam, problem is after around 2-3 hours is disconnects from my SKY netgear DG** series router and I have to unplug the foscam and turn it back on to get it to connect, anyone else experienced this?

i must be doing something wrong....ive tried every program listed here and only gotten a few to actually install correctly (tried on both windows xp and windows 7) and of the few that ive gotten to install, ive only been able to get live video successfully on the first one listed (ip supercam) and after an hour it says i need to register. where? there is no indication whatsoever as to who manufactures this program so theres no place to go to TO register!! I am certain i have my ports forwarded correctly on my router. please someone help, i spent $100+ on a foscam (fi8908w) that i cant even use because no known programs work with it.

i have this issue with my foscam. I press to turn my camera right. I regret and i want to turn it left. Nothing. I press "left" and the camera turns right. Only when the camera reaches at the end of right position the button for left starts to turn the camera left.Of course, the opposite happens. I press left and only when the camera reaches at the end of left position can turn right.Any ideas?

@domnistaeither you've got one of those old firmwares that had a bug with PTZ, but i think it was only with up and down function, or, you've got the latest where the PT and patrol speed are by default set to the maximum. In this case, you just need to go to the camera settings and change the values under "PTZ Settings", you could use 4 as a medium speed.

:(i tried setting value to 4 and with several values. The turning speed for right and left changes, but the problem is still there. I have to go all the way to the right or left in order to change direction.I don't know if this is relative but in device status i have this:"UPnP Failed: Errors in Chat with UPnP Device"

@domnistaUPnP never worked for me and always showed that error. Make sure you have the System Firmware 11.14.2.17 + Web UI Version 2.4.8.14. You may need to contact Foscam for further advice, mentioning you Devide ID.

I will contact with Foscam, thanks.I have another one problem. With windowsXP i connect with my camera with every software. From windows7 i cant. I turn off firewall and antivirus but still connection refused. Any ideas?

The "connection refused error" is not likely to come from the ip camera, I would rather suspect a conflict with another element (device or service) of your LAN responding to your connection attempt to the ip camera. Make sure the IP address of your ip camera is not in use by something else and check also the port used ('netstat -b' for instance).

From the laptop i boot with windowsXP. Everything works well (Norton internet security 2010 is on).From the same laptop i boot with windows 7. I can't ping my camera (Norton internet security 2010 on/off gives no different result).

is there a website or service that hosts video-streaming?I dont want to let my PC running all the time.Is there such a service somewhere where you can connect your Cam online? including motion detection of course ;o)mail me: Dussel76(at)gmail.com

About the problem i had rotating my camera i got an answer from tech-foscam. They asked me to add camera's ip in Internet explorer trusted sites and if the problem persists to turn off my firewall. After adding the camera to trusted sites everything worked well.Also i have to say that tech-foscam reply was very quick.

Hi,I already have a working Foscam clone in my lounge.Is there an app that would alert me when there is audio detected rather than just video movement. I have a physically disabled child - and want him to be able to alert me in the middle of the night via audio if he can't easily move in bed. Was planning to place another foscam in his bedroom for this purpose, then set either an iphone or Android smartphone next to my bed, to pick up any alerts. Would then be able to check him via the phone.

@Deborah,I'm not sure there is a reliable software solution for achieving this with the ip cam.It would far more convenient for you to have one of those cordless phones that can be put in monitor mode and even call (another set, or an external nr) from a certain noise level. I'm thinking of the Siemens Gigaset S795 for instance.

@author, I will like to mention that I could make use of gmotionlive on Linux Desktop and also on Linux based N900 phone to access my fosscam device. Negatives are that pan/tilt/rotating is not possible using gmotionlive.

Hi, Maybe my stupid question fits fest into this thread....After doing some studying I think I could live without 3rd part SW and that Foscam features & WebUI could do for me.

But...I'd like to record video stream with motion detection. It seems that WebUI must be running on an computer to do so (FTP snapshots work fine without open WebUI on any PC). The point is that I want the alarm go on after power shortages etc. and I don't know a way to autologon Foscam WebUi at system startup. You got my point? Have I missed something? Anyone found a workaround for that? A short script etc?

For third party SW WebcamXP and Blue Iris seemes most interesting (and have a reasonable price). Any good or bad experiences of those?

I've been testing Vitamin D with my two Foscams. I am very impressed with their motion detection. It catches my cat walking around and car headlights driving by in the window. It's way better than the web control motion detect. Has anybody compared Vitamin D's motion detection with these others? I like it a lot but it seems a little pricey.One thing, I was using their current eval (1.41 6064) for a month and it was working great, but then all of the sudden couldn't connect. Reinstalled, re-set up but same problem. So I tried the version from Cnet- 1.0 5646 and blocked Vit d from internet with my firewall and it started working again.

Many thanks Bubbah for this helpful blog, i'm new to the ip camera gadgets, and i'm looking for an iphone app that can stream audio (preferably 2 ways) with foscam, as the apps listed here seems not to support this.

Hi Bubbah,I have tried firmware recovery for my IPcam FS-613A-M136 using DKU-5 USB cable .I was able to see the boot proces and the camera just continue rebooting every 8-10 seconds and does not stop at debug mode while pressing ESC.Any help how to go to debug mode to continue the recover procedure.

@teodyvIf you didn't yet, check this more specific procedure: http://www.neknek.net/?p=32note that you don't need to use the 3.3v cable if the camera is powered.Appart from the terminal settings, I don't know what can prevent the terminal from receiving the ESC keystroke.

Hi bubbah,I have followed the procedure on the link you mentioned except I used DKU-5 USB Cable and use 3 wires only rx,tx ,gnd. 3.3v not connected and used normal supply for the camera .I am reading your blog for several days now and searching on the net but still no success to fix my IPcamera.

Question: Is it ok to use DKU-5 USB cable to download the firmware/webui Or do I need to buy the USB/serial TTL 3.3v . I cannot update the firmware using IPCam tool since it is rebootingbefore completing the update.

@teodyvI wonder if the recovery tool here could help you.Also check the size of the firmware file, some cameras will take a 8MB file some 4MB,... I don't think the Nokia cable is the problem, it seems to take you far enough in the process.

Hey guys I wanted to let you know about another program called SpiffCam that I discovered. The demo is free and fully functional, and as far as I can tell no time limitation. It seems to have the same type of motion detection as Vitamin D, which I finally gave up on because of crashing and it wouldn't stay connected to my foscams. I've been using it for a week and it's great. It works like a DVR and has a lot of great features. Exactly what I needed for 24/7 recording. www.spiffprime.com

Do not buy from e-foscam.com -- These guys took my money and provided no tech support at all. You never hear from them after they have your money. Typical fly-by-night operation. STAY AWAY FROM E-FOSCAM.COM!

There's a couple of applications on the Ovi Store for Nokia phones. I've installed ipCamera Swipe 1D which was free when I got it but is £3 now. http://store.ovi.com/content/205582 You can't control the camera but at least you can view the stream. Configure using this type of URL http://ipcamurl/videostream.cgi[?user=&pwd=&resolution=]

Hello everyone I use H264WEBCAM DELUXE ver 3.7 works fine, but does not record the audio and not funiona PAN & Tilt. When I configure my Foscam FI8908W, use as a brand Bsti "PD100", but the audio is not recorded in the file.

I have been using my FOSCAM FI8918W without any issues for over a year. Yesterday, I was playing around with the port settings and I believe I set some port settings incorrectly. Since then the FOSCAM stopped responding. In order to fix this I connected it directly using the ethernet cable, but am unable to detect it (have tried it on different computers, on different routers and also tried connecting directly to the computer as per FOSCAM support page). As a last resort I tried resetting it multiple times, but still no luck. Am not sure if the camera is bricked as all the LEDs seem to be operating normally and also it does the usual rotation upon power up or reset. I just want to make sure if there is anything else I can try before trying "Bubba's Brick recovery" hack.Thanks!

You could try a few basic things first, like pinging the last known address of the camera. Or clear its entry from the router and let the ipcam claim for a new one that you should then find in the DHCP table.To retrieve which port it is using:- ipcam tool should tell you, or - a port scanner (nmap.org) or- a sniffer (wireshark.org) with the camera connected to the Ethernet port.

Make sure you did the reset correctly: Start with the camera powered off.Keep the reset button pressed while re-plugging the power cable. Keep the reset button pressed for up to 20 seconds. On a PTZ camera, you know that you can release the reset button when it starts moving and the network indicator starts to blink.The Foscam camera should now be back to factory default with user "admin" and no password. Since the IP address is reset as well, it may not appear on the network. Use the IP Camera tool to access it.

hi there, i have been using the ip camera super client because it came with the camera i bought. the issue is, it is always asking for registration. i was provided the registration number by the company, but after that, it started asking for it again. when you clicked on it, it will say already registered. i found i had to delete the registry key and re enter the registration number. but it will happen again. i have tried to install other applications to run the camera off, but it doesnt work. my camera is an easyn f1-608a-m091. other applications ask for the camera password, but the default (username: admin password: none) doesnt work